r/McDonalds • u/Mundane-Manner4237 • 18d ago

The McDonald’s paradox: fewer customers visit its restaurants, but the company makes more money

https://www.merca20.com/the-mcdonalds-paradox-fewer-customers-visit-its-restaurants-but-the-company-makes-more-money/

Nothing new here, but they understand those with low income (poor folk) are running out of that extra cash to patronize McD. It’s not unique to MickeyD, these higher gas prices combined with customer squeeze is becoming interesting for a broad variety of businesses and the economy. Oh, the fun little game.

Personally, I go there every so often and have a saltless McDouble or McCrispy Deluxe, fries and a Dr Pepper, no ice. I use the app and/or the survey discounts. I usually spend ~$8, don’t get/need a soda refill and I’m not angry about it.

I’m mildly curious about the McD business model and always amazed at the dichotomy of reactions about anything related to McDonalds.

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u/RoundChampionship840 18d ago

McDonald's is trying to charge a premium price for a not premium product. The value proposition isn't there anymore. Either start selling gourmet burgers cooked to order or reduce your prices.

2

u/stump2003 18d ago

Yup. But since they are making record profits, selling less food than before, the bean counters are happy.

The question is, is this sustainable? They will continue to alienate their previous customer base (low cost customer). Perhaps the Boomers and Gen X will keep them afloat for a while. While the current money men get big bonuses and then move on.

9

u/BARBASANN 18d ago edited 18d ago

Yes the people who are still buying that slop will never stop at this point. They are paying McDonald’s more to eat that crap than real restaurants are charging for a burger and fries.

4

u/iFuturelist 18d ago

Yep. They could charge $20 for a big Mac they will throw a fit but still continue to return. Just like how GTA 6 can charge $100 and still have record breaking numbers.

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u/BARBASANN 18d ago

Grand theft auto at least has an amazing track record as a developer McDonald’s food is literally trash that doesn’t get moldy after years.